A civil complaint alleges that a woman suffered serious injuries after a metal railing gave way outside a local restaurant, raising questions about sidewalk safety and maintenance responsibilities for both municipal authorities and private businesses. The lawsuit was filed by Anna Saker in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on February 9, 2026, naming as defendants the City of Tarpon Springs and Oishi Sushi Hibachi Japanese Restaurant, Inc., doing business as Oishi Sushi Hibachi.
According to court documents, Anna Saker claims that on February 5, 2025, she was waiting outside Oishi Sushi Hibachi at 498 Athens Street in Tarpon Springs when she leaned against a metal railing installed into the sidewalk. The complaint states that “the metal railing… suddenly gave out and fell down causing Plaintiff to also fall backwards onto the concrete sidewalk and suffer serious injuries.” Saker alleges that at all times relevant to her injury she was an invitee of the restaurant.
The complaint is divided into two counts: one against the City of Tarpon Springs and another against Oishi Sushi Hibachi Japanese Restaurant, Inc. In Count I, Saker asserts that the city owned or controlled the sidewalk where her injury occurred. She claims that “Defendant, CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS, negligently and carelessly maintained the sidewalk by allowing a faulty metal railing to exist in the pedestrian walkway.” The filing further alleges that “the unsafe condition of the pedestrian walkway was known to the Defendant… or had existed for a sufficient length of time in that the Defendant… should have known of it.” Specific acts cited include failing to inspect or properly construct the walkway according to code requirements and not warning pedestrians about potential hazards.
Saker’s legal team reports compliance with statutory notice requirements under Florida law before bringing suit against a municipality. The complaint notes that “notice of the injuries described in this Complaint was provided to The Department of Financial Services on March 13, 2025” as well as directly to “Defendant, CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS,” with more than six months elapsing since notification before litigation commenced.
Count II targets Oishi Sushi Hibachi Japanese Restaurant, Inc., alleging similar negligence regarding maintenance of its premises. Saker claims that “Defendant… negligently and carelessly maintained the Premises by allowing a fault[y] metal railing installed into the sidewalk to exist outside their Premises.” She further asserts that “the unsafe condition of the walkway was known to” or should have been known by restaurant management due to its duration or visibility. Alleged failures include not inspecting for safety compliance and not warning customers about risks posed by exterior fixtures.
As a result of these alleged acts or omissions by both defendants, Saker claims she suffered bodily injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses including hospitalization and nursing care, lost earnings and earning capacity, as well as aggravation of pre-existing conditions. According to her attorneys’ letter attached as Exhibit A in court filings: “This law firm represents [Anna Saker] for property damage [and] bodily injuries… resulting pain and suffering… inconvenience [and] loss for enjoyment of life… past and future medical expense… loss of income [and] loss of future earning capacity.”
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages from each defendant in excess of $50,000 exclusive of attorney’s fees, taxable costs and interest. Additionally, Saker demands trial by jury on all issues so triable.
Legal representation for Anna Saker is provided by Andrew M. Bennett (Florida Bar No.: 0112386) from Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Car Accident & Injury Lawyers based in Tampa. Other attorneys listed include Enk G. Abrahamson (deceased), Dana P. Hoffman, Hendrik Uiterwyk (deceased), Christopher R. Pavlik (deceased), Tomas L. Gacio (Partner), Tomas-Phillip Gacio (Partner), Justin W. Pimenta (Partner), among others affiliated with Hendrik Uiterwyk P.A., as indicated in correspondence included with court filings. The case number is 26-000840-CI.
Source: 26000840CI_Anna_Saker_v_City_of_Tarpon_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
